Search

Background/Aim. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the healthcare system, particularly healthcare providers such as nurses/medical technicians, who were obliged to adhere to strict procedures and manage their time effectively during shifts. The aim of this study was to identify internal strengths, weaknesses, threats, and challenges in palliative care management during the C OVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of nurses/medical technicians. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a 100% sample of nurses/medical technicians working in hospital-based palliative care in two clinics in Belgrade (47 respondents in total). The research instrument was a Questionnaire on Employee Satisfaction. The survey was conducted during September and October 2022. Results. Assessing the job satisfaction of nurses/ medical technicians revealed moderate job satisfaction (3.43), which was mostly influenced by appropriate financial compensation and the implementation of measures to prevent and control the spread of the COVID-19 infection. The dimensions of management that were significantly related to respondents’ satisfaction were motivation and adequacy of hygienic conditions and measures to control COVID-19 (χ2 = 62.83, p = 0.004 and χ2 = 36.42, p = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion. Nurses/medical technicians who experience stress at work in regular conditions tend to react the same way in different conditions, such as those related to COVID-19 infection. The most difficult challenge that the management faces is the recognition of the importance of the work of nurses/medical technicians by the community. Therefore, it is vital to respect and support the most important professional values of nurses/medical technicians, such as valuable achievements, the importance of professional challenges, personal growth and development, and independence in practice.

(1) Background: Regardless of the level of physical activity, performance monitoring is a valuable component of the training process. The aim of this research was to assess the reliability and sensitivity of parameter measurements using the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor. (2) Methods: Metric characteristics were examined for average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, movement length, and movement duration. Twenty-seven participants (15 men and 12 women) underwent body composition analysis and testing on a combined leg extension/leg curl machine, performing the exercises with each leg individually under a 30% body mass load. Descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and difference analyses were conducted to evaluate repeatability and sensitivity levels. The significance threshold was set at the level 0.05. (3) Results: Reliability parameters were found to be statistically significant, both overall (ICC: 0.937–0.991) and separately for men (ICC: 0.899–0.984) and women (ICC: 0.908–0.990). Sensitivity was confirmed through significant differences based on sex (p = 0.000), activity level (p = 0.000), and movement type (p = 0.000). No statistically significant differences were observed between right and left leg performance. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that the Enode/Vmaxpro sensor demonstrates sufficient sensitivity and reliability for muscle power testing in biomechanics and sports diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this research is to investigate the associations between physical activity and mental health parameters (depression, anxiety, and stress) among women who have recovered from COVID-19; Methods: This research involved two measurements: the initial test, conducted 2-to-4 weeks post-COVID infection, and the final test, performed 14-to-16 weeks after the virus's activity. The sample consisted of women (n = 190) aged 20 to 60 (47.60 ± 11.1, 47.60 ± 11.1, mean ± Std.Dev.) who were infected with COVID-19. To assess the level of physical activity, a longer version of the IPAQ questionnaire was used. Self-assessment of mental health was determined by a longer version of the DASS questionnaire; Results: The t-test analysis revealed significant differences in mental health and physical activity levels between the initial and final measurements. After three months, subjects showed lower mental health scores (indicating improvement) and higher Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values across all physical activity domains, with moderate physical activity showing the greatest increase. The regression analysis showed that at the initial measurement, there was no statistically significant association of physical activity with mental health parameters. Three months after the initial measurement, regression analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association of physical activity with anxiety (F = 3.97; p = 0.000) and depression (F = 3.34; p = 0.001) but not with stress (F = 1.67; p = 0.106); Conclusions: This research revealed that higher levels of physical activity improved mental health in post-COVID-19 women, with varying effects on anxiety and depression depending on the activity domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the research is to explore the relationship between psychological factors and nutritional status in adolescence. The issue of adolescent nutrition is related to several psychological problems, as well as to developmental changes during this period. Research on body image dissatisfaction has confirmed that most adolescents are dissatisfied with their bodies. Developmentally oriented scientists are unique in their approach to explaining the problem of body image, focusing on multiple aspects and attempting to understand the intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that are important for the formation of body image. Methods: The sample included 260 adolescents aged 11 to 15. The assessment of sociodemographic factors, emotional states, physical activity levels, and eating habits was included in the questionnaires filled out by the parents (DASS-21 and the Physical Activity & Nutrition Behaviors Monitoring Form questionnaire). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on information about the height and weight of the adolescents. Results: The results of the correlation between psychological characteristics and BMI indicate a negative low correlation with all psychological aspects: depression (r = −0.25; p < 0.05), anxiety (r = −0.30; p < 0.05), and stress (r = −0.28; p < 0.05). Over 70% of adolescents are classified in the category of normal BMI. Conclusions: The results indicate that subjects who are of normal weight experience less pronounced depression, anxiety, and stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This case study analyzed the successful performances of female gymnasts in the finals of the 39th and 40th World Cup in Maribor (SLO). The aim was to identify variations in their execution of the Clear Hip Circle to Handstand (CHCH) on uneven bars based on kinematic parameters. (2) Methods: This study involved elite female gymnasts from the 39th (n = 5, age: 17 ± 6 months) and 40th (n = 8, age: 17.5 ± 6 months) World Cups, totaling 13 gymnasts. Kinematic analysis was performed on 15 successful routines using the Ariel Performance Analysis System (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA). The analysis focused on 16 anthropometric reference points and 8 body segments, including the body mass center of gravity (CG). The main reference points analyzed were the hip joint, the shoulder joint, and the CG along the xy-axes. Trajectory, velocity, angle, and angular velocity of the hips and shoulders were calculated. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the relationships between the kinematic variables. (3) Results: High intercorrelations between the reference points along the xy-axes (0.81–0.99) and optimal movement velocity were found. Dispersed results were observed for kinematic parameters of angle (0.10–0.16) and angular velocity of the hip joints (0.60–1.00), with similar dispersions for shoulder joints (0.51–1.00). Three distinct techniques were identified: (1) stretched body with minimal hip joint flexion throughout; (2) extended body with a short, quick hip joint extension during shoulder movement; and (3) hyperextension in the hip joint. (4) Conclusions: The kinematic analysis revealed three different performance styles of the CHCH among finalists. These variations in technique do not affect the success of the performance. This research contributes to a better understanding of the technique but does not prefer one style over another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to collect and to examine the positive effects of various physical activity (PA) programs on individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This included a combination of aerobic exercises and resistance training, with varying intensities, in order to compare which approach yielded better outcomes for T2DM management; This systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the period from 1991 to 2024. Studies included in this review involved both experimental procedures and questionnaire-based surveys to assess the impact of PA on T2DM patients. The primary outcome was the effect of PA on T2DM, with secondary outcomes including changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glycemic control; A total of 23 studies, encompassing 1752 participants (515 men, 546 women, and 691 unspecified), met the inclusion criteria. The studies highlighted the positive effects of exercise, such as improvements in glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. Most studies recommended a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises performed 3-4 times per week for 30-60 minutes per session; This systematic review confirms that regular PA is instrumental in managing T2DM. Health care providers should integrate PA programs into treatment plans for T2DM patients to optimize glycemic control and overall health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The objective of this systematic review was to collect relevant data in the available contemporary studies about sports injuries of basketball players and explain differences in sports injuries relative to gender, location, sport, and position on the court; (2) Methods: The papers were searched digitally using PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases, from 1990 to 2024; (3) Results: The most frequent severe injuries for both genders are knee and ankle injuries and the most frequent forms of injury are ankle sprain and ligament strain. The most frequent injuries occur during running and after contact with the ball. Shooting guards sustain the highest injury rate followed by centers and point guards, while guards have the highest rate of adductor muscle injury; and (4) Conclusions: Studies indicate that ankle and knee injuries are prevalent among basketball players, with ankle sprains being particularly prevalent. Knee injuries are more common in female basketball players, including ACL injuries. Various factors contribute to injuries, including the biomechanics of jumping, landing, sudden changes in direction, and the physical demands placed on the body during the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to determine the differences in explosive power between basketball players of different age. This research was conducted on the sample of 34 basketball players, 17 of them were at the age of 11 and 17 of them were at the age of 14 (±0.5 years). They are all members of basketball club 'Ras', Novi Pazar. Six different kinds of test were used to estimate their explosive power: long jump, triple jump, medicine balls throw while lying, medicine ball sit‐up throw, sprinting in 20 m from the low start position, sprinting in 30 m from the high start position. For identifying the significant differences in main values of two groups of players was used t-test. The statistics significance in differences was analyzed at the level (p

Body composition is represented by the amount of muscle, fat, bone and other anatomic components that contribute to the total body weight of a man. The subject of research is highly intensive training. The aim of this paper was to collect relevant data on the effects of high-intensity training, as well as to clarify whether there are positive effects of high-intensity training on body composition in women. In the analyzed papers, the greatest effect was obtained with the inactive respondents whose training program lasted 15 weeks and consisted of 60 maximal sprint intervals of up to eight seconds, with 12 seconds of active rest. High intensity training can be recommended as a safe, secure and efficient exercise for reducing body weight and body fat in healthy, physically active women. However, results may vary depending on the duration, type of activity, characteristics of the sample and the state of the physical condition, as in the elderly or physically inactive women contraindications can occur. Also, continuous aerobic training of moderate character contributes to a reduction in body weight and body fat in women. On the basis of these results, it becomes clear that high-intensity training achieves positive changes in body composition, and can be recommended for daily use in fitness clubs and other places where organized systems of exercise are practiced, as a program for the reduction of body composition of women.

This document is a certificate of publication for an article titled "Does the Impact Force Depend on Arm Position and Run-up Speed during Forward Handspring on the Vault in Elite Gymnasts? A Pilot Study." The article was published in the Balneo & PRM Research Journal in June 2024. The authors of the article are Petar Veličković, Dušan Stanković, Miloš Paunović, Dušan Đorđević, Saša Bubanj, Miodrag Kocić, Božidar Marović, Bojan Bjelica, Veroljub Stanković, and Nikola Aksović. The article explores the impact force during a forward handspring on the vault in elite gymnasts and investigates whether it depends on arm position and run-up speed. The journal is associated with the Romanian Association of Balneology and has both print and online ISSN numbers. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of physical activity on the body image of the working population. The population from which the sample of respondents was defined consisted of the working active population, with an average age of 44 years. The total sample consisted of 500 respondents, of which 193 men and 307 women. Physical activity was determined using the IPAQ short-form questionnaire, and the level of physical activity in three domains: highintensity physical activity, moderate-intensity physical activity, and low-intensity physical activity. To assess Body image, a Physical Appearance Scale was used which consisted of four questions to be answered in relation to four figures, using a scale ranging from 1.8 to 5.2. Based on the obtained results, it was found that there is a statistically significant effect of physical activity on the body image, namely on body dissatisfaction at the level of significance of .01 (Sig = .009), on comparative dissatisfaction with the body at the level of significance of .01 (Sig = .000), and dissatisfaction with the sexual body at the level of significance of .05 (Sig = .011) for the total sample. The individual influence of the level of physical activity in relation to gender was determined in working men on the domain of comparative dissatisfaction with the body (Sig = .032) and on the index of dissatisfaction with the body (Sig = .026). The authors conclude that the level of physical activity significantly affects the body image, and indicate the importance of engaging in physical activity in order to improve body image, especially in working men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern world is characterized by minimal physical activity (which is mainly reduced to the level of performing the most necessary life needs) and obesity (which has reached epidemiological characteristics). Thus, to prevent obesity and preserve human health at an early school age, it is necessary to monitor the nutritional status of children of primary school age. The aim of this study was to define the level of nutrition of the respondents and to determine the differences in body height (BH), body weight (BW), and body mass index (BMI) between the respondents in relation to gender. The sample included 105 boys and 97 girls (13.59 ± 0.30 years old), who were 8th grade students at a primary school. Three variables were analyzed, i.e., BMI, BH, and BW of the subjects. The obtained BMI values were compared with reference percentile curves (WHO, 2007), and it was determined that 34.28% of boys and 37.11% of girls were overweight (overweight and obese). Using the t-test for independent samples, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between boys and girls in BW and BMI. The obtained results indicated that girls had a higher percentage of BW and BMI. On average, girls were 4.53 kg heavier than boys, while BMI differed by 1.02.The difference in BH was not defined at a statistically significant level. Malnutrition and obesity are prevalent in children of pubertal age in Montenegro, which requires concrete preventive measures to preserve health at an early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]